Unit of competency details
ACMEQU509 - Conduct assessment for equine massage therapy (Release 1)
Summary
Usage recommendation:
Current
Releases:
1 1 (this release) |
18/Feb/2022 |
Companion volumes:
Unit of competency
Assessment requirements
Training packages that include this unit
Qualifications that include this unit
Classifications
Classification history
ASCED Module/Unit of Competency Field of Education Identifier | 050105 | Animal Husbandry | 27/Apr/2022 | |
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Unit of competency
Modification History
Release
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Comments
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Release 1
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This version released with ACM Animal Care and Management Training Package Version 5.0.
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Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assess a horse or other equine prior to carrying out massage therapy.
The unit applies to individuals who perform equine massage therapy for clients and carers. They work autonomously, take responsibility for their own work, and apply technical massage knowledge and skills to provide and communicate solutions for predictable and unpredictable problems.
Commonwealth and state/territory health and safety and animal welfare legislation, regulations and codes of practice relevant to interacting with horses apply to workers in this industry.
Current state/territory veterinary practice legislation and restricted acts of veterinary science limit the activities that may be carried out by non-registered veterinarians. Requirements vary between jurisdictions. All activities should be carried out within the constraints of the current, relevant legislation.
Pre-requisite Unit
Nil
Unit Sector
Equine (EQU)
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements
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Performance Criteria
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Elements describe the essential outcomes.
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Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.
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1. Determine client requirements
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1.1 Clarify client requirements and expectations related to horse massage therapy
1.2 Provide clear information about scope and limits of services to be provided, and obtain client consent to proceed with assessment
1.3 Gather information and prepare an accurate record of horse health and performance issues
1.4 Recognise needs beyond scope of own practice and make referrals to veterinarian or other equine health care practitioners as required
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2. Conduct assessment of horse condition
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2.1 Assess and control risks associated with interacting with horses in close proximity
2.2 Prepare safe and controlled area for conducting horse examination
2.3 Approach and interact with horse using safe, low stress handling techniques, and secure as required
2.4 Carry out an initial visual assessment of horse conformation and movement
2.5 Conduct physical examination of horse, using palpation techniques appropriate for body area, to identify areas of compromise, changes to texture, tension and tenderness
2.6 Work within equine safe zone and position own body and hands to detect potential horse movement or reactions during examination
2.7 Monitor horse reaction to physical examination to ensure safety and humane treatment of horse
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3. Determine massage therapy requirements
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3.1 Explain outcomes of examination and potential therapy options with owner or carer
3.2 Refer owner to registered veterinarian or other equine health care practitioner for conditions outside scope of practice
3.3 Assess horse suitability for massage therapy and plan short-term and longer-term goals as required
3.4 Confirm service to be carried out and details of arrangements and estimate costs
3.5 Confirm owner or carer consent for therapy, or document information for referral, if required
3.6 Complete horse and client records according to workplace practice
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Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill
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Description
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Writing
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- Complete workplace documentation using print-based or digital formats and veterinary terminology suitable for conveying comprehensive information to others
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Oral communication
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- Explain information using appropriate tone and pace suitable for audience to ensure comprehension
- Use listening and questioning to elicit and clarify information and confirm understanding
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Numeracy
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- Use mathematical concepts to calculate or estimate time and cost
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Unit Mapping Information
Code and title current version
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Code and title previous version
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Comments
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Equivalence status
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ACMEQU509 Conduct assessment for equine massage therapy
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Not applicable
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The unit has been created to address a skill or task required by industry that is not covered by an existing unit
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Newly created
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Links
Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet: - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=b75f4b23-54c9-4cc9-a5db-d3502d154103
Assessment requirements
Modification History
Release
|
Comments
|
Release 1
|
This version released with ACM Animal Care and Management Training Package Version 5.0.
|
Performance Evidence
An individual demonstrating competency must satisfy all of the elements and performance criteria in this unit.
There must be evidence that the individual has:
- conducted a complete assessment of at least six different horses, including at least one of each of the following:
- young horse
- mature horse (6–8 years or older)
- horse in active work/exercise
- horse undergoing rehabilitation or spelling
- used palpation techniques and observation techniques
- demonstrated safe, low stress horse handling techniques
- interacted with two different clients or carers, including:
- gathered comprehensive background information for each horse
- explained information about service, therapy options and rationale
- recorded information accurately and comprehensively.
Knowledge Evidence
An individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge required to perform the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit. This includes knowledge of:
- role and responsibilities of equine massage service providers, including:
- scope of practice and limits to activities as specified in relevant veterinary practice and restricted acts of veterinary science
- referrals for conditions outside provider's professional and personal scope
- professional indemnity and public liability insurance requirements
- techniques for effective client or carer interactions, including clear advice, collaborative communication and client confidentiality
- responsibilities under relevant health and safety and animal welfare legislation and codes of practice
- principles of equine massage service provision, including:
- practices to minimise safety hazards and risks
- ethical and humane handling of horses
- hygiene and biosecurity requirements
- principles of client confidentiality
- potential advantages of massage therapy, including:
- increase range of motion
- enhance muscle tone
- relieve stress and tension
- increase mental clarity required to focus for training
- improve circulation
- enhance healing of injuries
- equine musculoskeletal system, including:
- bones and joints
- major bony landmarks surface anatomy and palpable bony landmarks
- key function and features of fore and hind limbs, including distal limb and hoof capsule
- key muscles and their actions, origin and insertion points
- location of deep and superficial muscles
- location of tendons, ligaments and soft tissues
- function and anatomy of fascial sheaths
- key anatomical and physiological terminology used to describe the equine musculoskeletal system
- changes or impacts on equine musculoskeletal system, including:
- age and growth
- exercise, training and performance
- ailments and injury
- health and safety hazards and controls when working in close proximity with horses, including:
- use of safe, low stress handling techniques
- use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- hygiene and infection control
- zoonotic and infectious diseases, including those caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses
- palpation and physical examination techniques to determine muscle tension, joint mobility, nerve reflex and soreness or pain
- observation of horse, including:
- gait, stance, symmetry
- conformation and posture
- behaviour
- facial expression
- reactions and behavioural signs indicating soreness, pain or tension, including:
- vocalisation
- pulling away, stiffness, restricted movement
- lameness or gait issues
- increased resistance to gear
- nervousness, unsettled or unwilling to perform correctly or consistently
- signs of caution and contraindications, including:
- inflammation
- injury
- wound healing and stages
- pain types
- formats for record-keeping
- industry trends and advancements in area of massage, including:
- use of X-rays/scans
- physiotherapy machines – laser therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, magnetic field therapy
- ice or heat pack therapy
- application of liniments.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment of the skills in this unit of competency must take place under the following conditions:
- an equine workplace or an environment that accurately represents workplace conditions
- resources, equipment and materials:
- live horses assessed as suitable for the experience and skills of the individual, as specified in the performance evidence
- horse gear and PPE appropriate for activity
- record-keeping formats
- clients or carers as specified in the performance evidence
- relevant workplace policies and procedures, and animal welfare legislation and codes of practice
- relevant public liability insurance requirements.
Two Companion Volumes are available:
- Companion Volume: User Guide: Equine Allied Health provides delivery and assessment information tailored for equine allied health practitioners
- Companion Volume:User Guide: Safety in Equine Training provides advice and sample templates to assist assessors with the risk assessments that should be undertaken to help ensure the safety of all involved in the assessment.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Links
Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet: - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=b75f4b23-54c9-4cc9-a5db-d3502d154103